How do you become an animal chiropractor?

In order to become an animal chiropractor, you first must be a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) or a doctor of chiropractic (DC). From there, you must take a post-graduate level or continuing education course over 200 hours. Upon completion, you are eligible to sit for the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) or the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) board exam. Once this exam is passed, you are certified to provide adjustments for animals. The AVCA and IVCA also require continuing education hours to remain certified.

Can chiropractors adjust animals?

Yes! Certified DC's that have pursued training and certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) or the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) can adjust animals. In most states, as well, DC's require a veterinary referral to render treatment to animals.

Does chiropractic work for animals?

Yes! All mammals with spines benefit from chiropractic. Adjustments optimize the alignment and function of the joints of the spine and body so they do not interfere with the delicate communication of the nerves of the spinal cord as they signal up to the brain. Chiropractors specialize in musculoskeletal issues, mainly, but the benefit to adjustments can extend to other bodily systems as well as the goal of an adjustment is to allow the body to function optimally through proper brain to body communication.

How much does an animal chiropractor cost?

Most owners can expect to spend anywhere from $50-$200 for adjustments for their animal. The price does somewhat vary with owner location, species of the animal, and training / experience of the provider.

We help animals with joint pain improve their mobility so that they can get back to their active lifestyle

How we help horses

How we help dogs

In office for small animal patients
Mobile for large animal patients

GET STARTED

Does this sound like you

Your animal starts having a harder time keeping up with their routine or isn't feeling quite right.

You are worried your animal won't be able to return to the active lifestyle that they love.

You intuitively know that pain meds and rest aren't the only answer.

You want to address the root cause, not just cover up your animal's symptoms.

Imagine

Reducing your animal's pain without over relying on pain medication or having to proceed to invasive procedures.

Having a team of animal care providers willing to work together for your animal's benefit.

Being able to take control by learning how to help your animal at home.

Getting back to the active lifestyle you both love.

What we Offer

From serious athletes to weekend warriors...

All the way to the household pet

We offer a hands on method designed to get to the root cause of mobility problems caused by joint pain.

Plus a transparent and collaborative approach with your existing animal care team

So that your animal can feel better, stay active, and enjoy a long vibrant life.

Inquire about cost and availability

PRINT NEW PATIENT FORM

New client process

1

Owner submits inquiry

Owner will start by submitting a comprehensive questionnaire telling us more about their animal. If we think that our business will be a good fit, we will book a call / get owners started on requesting a veterinary authorization form.

Get started

2

Vet signs off

Similar to an MD prescribing physical therapy, your vet will complete the vet form request in order for your animal to get started with us. When a vet form request has been sent, your vet will receive an email requesting a signature + a digital copy of an animal's records.

Print form

3

In Stride will contact you

When we have your vet form completed, our team will reach out to you to get your animal's appointment scheduled! Thank you in advance for completing the additional consent paperwork before the time of your appointment.

Book now

Why do I need a vet form?

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What do you offer

Animal chiropractic is a non-surgical, drug-free approach that involves adjusting the vertebrae of the spine and/or joints of an animal (via hands or instrument) in order to correct improper motion. Improper motion in the joints and/or spine, if not corrected, may also cause disturbances in the normal function of other systems.

Signalment for care may be noticeable such as lameness, gait abnormalities, pain, decreased athletic ability, sensitivity to being touched, changes in behavior, changes in routine, and/or changes in posture.

There also may be more subtle signs with respect to nervous system and/or organ function (as the spine and the spinal cord are intimately related). If organs are not receiving normal input from the spinal nerves of the nervous system, they cannot heal and function at a favorable level.

Healthy animals are also candidates for receiving chiropractic care. Maintaining proper movement allows for optimal function of muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons- which leads to improved mobility, flexibility, endurance, performance, and decreased risk of injury.

Thus, the goal of animal chiropractic care is to restore or maintain normal movement, alignment, and function to the spine and joints in order to allow for normal neurologic function, which in turn allows the body to function optimally. Animal chiropractic can be used as part of an integrative wellness program to maintain an animal’s health.

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Animal physiotherapy is a complementary approach that focuses on restoring and maintaining an animal's mobility, function, and well-being through various techniques such as: exercise, pain relieving modalities, and more.

Animal physiotherapy is most often used to address animals with reduced mobility. Signalment for care includes orthopedic problems, neurologic dysfunction, and/or musculoskeletal injury. Signalment may also include geriatric animals or chronic pain patients.

Benefits to care include: pain relief, improved mobility, enhanced quality of life, faster recovery, and injury prevention

Animal physiotherapy may also be used as a proactive means of addressing reduced performance for animal athletes or as a complement to any animal's ongoing health regimen.

Types of physiotherapy plans:

-Rehabilitation: pain or symptom based plan to address a certain complaint
-Fitness: proactive based plan to promote optimal performance and well-being

Why do I need a veterinary authorization form

We strictly offer specialty care to complement your ongoing veterinary care.

That means we do not diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or offer any traditional veterinary medicine

The current laws require a signed veterinary authorization form prior to starting care with us. The laws were written with your animal’s best interest in mind. It ensures active communication between all members of the animal care team. The more information we have available to us, the better we can help your pet.

Please have your vet call us directly if they have any concerns about signing for your pet. We will do everything possible to navigate a path to get your animal the care they deserve.

However, if your vet absolutely will not sign a form, our best advice is to please seek adding an additional veterinarian to your pet's care team. We conveniently provide a list of local veterinarians that may be able to accommodate you in your pursuit of complementary services.